A TOWN centre pub set to re-open in Saffron Walden after a �600,000 refurbishment has been inundated with job applications.

A TOWN centre pub set to re-open in Saffron Walden after a �600,000 refurbishment has been inundated with job applications.

The historic Cross Keys, which will be managed by former professional musician Alison Oliver, has received more than 100 job applications since news of the refurbishment was revealed. The venue will provide around 25 jobs when it re-opens at the start of June.

Alison said: “Interest in working at the Cross Keys has been phenomenal. Job applications have mainly come from people living in Saffron Walden but we’ve also had applications from as far afield as Cambridge.

“I’ve spent six full days conducting interviews so far but I’ve still got quite a lot of people to see – so I expect to spend at least a couple more days interviewing people. Encouragingly, the quality of applicants has been very good.”

The Cross Keys has been interviewing for a range of posts, including bar staff, waiters, chefs, and cleaners.

The new-look Cross Keys will be holding a number of preview evenings and a total of 160 Saffron Walden and area residents have so far registered as ‘Friends of the Cross Keys’, which means they will be invited to attend one of the preview nights.